Definition of contradictionnext
1
as in paradox
someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another a loving father as well as a ruthless killer, the gangster is a living contradiction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contradiction What analysts experienced as iterative learning, audiences experienced as contradiction. Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026 The contradiction makes the dynamic possible. William Earl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026 Duality comes up a lot in Cameron’s work—alter egos, inner contradictions, mirror images. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026 Frady is voluntarily subjected to a disturbing reel of still images and text, juxtaposed and remixed in an overwhelming cacophony of the contradictions and impulses at the heart of America. James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradiction
Noun
  • The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an unsolved mystery playing out in real time, embodies a similar paradox.
    Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • There are myriad appeals processes open to anyone who is dissatisfied with their assessment, creating a paradox with which anyone who has bought and sold property in the county is all too familiar.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The spiral of events that follow ups the pathos while quietly commenting on rigid patriarchal rules, male privilege, sanctimonious moral posturing, the denial of women’s bodily autonomy and contempt for otherness, things all still very much with us today.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • As her power-hungry characters go through the five stages of grief, denial is the hardest one to let go of.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This proved to be the initial step on a path that eventually led to my rejection of the faith in which I’d been raised.
    Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • That rejection of redemption is precisely what makes these stories indispensable now.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contradiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradiction. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!